Adaptive forefoot support last

Abstract

A support shoe last (100) for supporting a shoe during display or transport, comprising: The support shoe last (100) a clam (10) defining a front portion (12), a waist portion (14) with a conical portion (36), and a wing edge (16) between said front portion (12) and said waist portion (14); Equipped with The shell-shaped body (10) a tip portion (18) extending from the waist portion (14) to the front portion (12); - arch side (20) and lateral side (22) portions extending downwardly from the distal end (18) and defining a cavity (24) of the clam (10); - an arch landing pad (26) extending from a portion of the lateral arch portion (20) and flaring toward the insole (200) of the shoe, the arch landing pad being configured to engage the insole (200); and - a second landing pad (28) extending from a portion of said lateral portion (22) and flaring toward the insole (200) of the shoe, said second landing pad (28) being configured to engage said insole (200); Equipped with A support last (100) wherein the side arch portions (20) and / or the lateral portion (22) comprise mechanically weakened portions extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the shell (10), thereby allowing the side arch portions (20) and / or the lateral portion (22) to flex and adapt to the shape of the shoe.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a support last for supporting shoes during display or transport.

[0002] Although shoes are manufactured with a specific last shape, the original shape will deteriorate over time. Therefore, to prevent the shoe from losing its original shape and to maintain that shape for a long time, the shoe needs to be supported when not in use. Furthermore, a shoe without a support last will not reflect the appearance of the shoe when worn, for example, the appearance of the shoe tongue will be unattractive. Therefore, support lasts for supporting shoes when not in use are well known in the art.

[0003] A conventional support last is a full-foot support last with a front and rear section connected by an adjustable midsection, where the front section fills the front of the shoe and the rear section presses against the heel grip of the shoe to secure the front section. The midsection is often a spring. These conventional support lasts are made of inflexible materials such as wood or hard plastic, and the adjustable midsection makes them rigid, allowing flexibility only along the length of the last.

[0004] A problem with conventional support lasts is that they are inaccurately shaped and not model-correct, meaning they cannot support the original shoe model shape. Another problem occurs when the rigid front section is pressed into the front of the shoe by the spring and rear section, creating unnatural upward pressure on the tongue. This pressure, combined with the incorrect shape, causes the shoe to deform over time rather than supporting the shoe's original shape. Excessive force is often required to insert the support last into the shoe. This applies incorrect pressure to the shoe, further deforming the shoe.

[0005] Additionally, when the shoe is displayed in a retail store, showroom, trade show, or by a reseller, it needs to faithfully display its original shape and weight, which is not possible with traditional support lasts because they are inflexible, do not conform to the shoe's natural shape, and are often heavy due to the materials they are made of.

[0006] When shoes leave the manufacturer, they are stuffed with paper or cardboard to support the shape of the shoe. The problem with using disposable materials for shoe support is that it is not sustainable. For example, China produces over 12 billion pairs of shoes annually, generating a huge amount of disposable stuffing.

[0007] There is a need in the art for a support last that is flexible and adaptable to the shape of the shoe model, mimicking the natural shape of the shoe and preventing the natural shape of the shoe from collapsing. There is also a need for a support last that is easy to insert and lightweight. Finally, there is a need for a support last that provides a more sustainable support solution, replacing the disposable paper and cardboard padding used by manufacturers.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a support last that can accommodate the different shapes of various shoes without distorting the shoe as with conventional support lasts.

[0009] The objects of the present invention are achieved by a support last for supporting a shoe during display or transport, the support last comprising a clam defining a front portion, a waist portion with a conical portion, and a wing edge between the front and waist portions. a tip portion extending from the waist portion to the front portion; - side arch and lateral portions extending downwardly from said tip portion and defining a cavity in said shell; - an arch landing pad extending from a portion of the lateral arch toward an insole of the shoe, the arch landing pad configured to engage the insole; and - a second landing pad (28) extending from a portion of the lateral side toward an insole of the shoe and configured to engage the insole; Equipped with Here, the side arch portion and / or the lateral portion have a mechanically weakened portion extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the shell, which allows the side arch portion and the lateral portion to flex and adapt to the shape of the shoe.

[0010] The support last may support a shoe including an outsole that contacts the surface on which the shoe rests and an upper that extends upward from the outsole to cover the foot. The upper may include a toe cap and an upper. The upper is connected to a tongue at the front of the shoe and a quarter at the rear of the shoe. This quarter may cover the heel of the foot. An insole that contacts the outsole parallel to the outsole may include a bottom portion on the medial side. The shoe further includes a shoe opening for inserting the foot into the shoe.

[0011] The support last may be inserted into the shoe opening and positioned within the shoe such that the shell supports the toe cap, upper, and tongue of the shoe, thereby supporting the front of the shoe from the medial side of the shoe. Thus, the support last is a forefoot support last.

[0012] The support last's shells, which define the forefoot, waist, and wing edges, can be constructed to mimic the forefoot model structure. The shells allow the support last to support the shoe while being deformed by it, preventing the support last from deforming the shoe in an unnatural way, as conventional support lasts are made of solid plastic or wood and, unless specifically designed for a particular shoe, would cause undesirable displacement of shoe components. Support lasts are never designed for a specific shoe because this would be too costly and waste material. However, the support last of the present invention can support a variety of different shoes because the mechanical weakness allows the support last to deform, thereby narrowing the distance between the two landing pads depending on the inner shape of the shoe.

[0013] The tip of the clasp, which extends from the waist to the front, contacts the upper forefoot of the shoe, and the side and lateral arches extend downward from this tip toward the shoe insole, allowing the clasp of the support last to accommodate the curvature of the upper forefoot of the shoe.

[0014] The shell cavity formed by the lateral arch and lateral sections is hollow, which allows the shell to conform to the shape of the shoe, i.e., the shell allows the support last to be flexible and conform to the natural shape of the shoe. An added benefit of this is that less material is needed to manufacture the support last, reducing the cost of the last.

[0015] Another advantage is that the support last is lightweight, which minimizes the weight added to the shoe by the support last, which is advantageous, for example, in retail stores where displayed shoes should appear true to the shoe's actual weight, and during shoe transportation where a minimal weight contribution from the support last is important to both the manufacturer and the traveling consumer, since the support last adds minimal weight to the shoe.

[0016] The arch landing pad extends from the side of the arch toward the lateral side along the waist of the clam-shaped body, and the second landing pad extends from the lateral side toward the side of the arch along the waist of the clam-shaped body, the arch landing pad and the second landing pad being located in substantially the same horizontal plane, and both landing pads have insole-facing sides that contact the insole of the shoe.

[0017] The arch landing pad and the secondary landing pad may be asymmetric in shape and length, allowing the support last to mimic the asymmetrical foot model shape and, therefore, the asymmetrical, model shoe shape that is shaped to resemble the foot. The arch landing pad connected to the lateral arch portion may have a smaller radius of curvature toward the secondary landing pad than the lateral portion and the secondary landing pad. Tests have shown this configuration to be optimal for the adaptability of the support last.

[0018] The arch landing pad may extend from the lower portion of the clam to the wing-shaped lower portion, while the lateral portion may be angled outward from the lateral arch in a substantially linear fashion, curving inward toward the arch landing pad where it connects with the second landing pad. The second landing pad may extend from the lower portion to the front of the clam. In some embodiments, the second landing pad is longer than the arch landing pad.

[0019] The advantage of this is that the support last can better mimic the natural shape of the shoe.

[0020] The side arch and lateral sections each include a mechanically weakened portion extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the shell, which can be achieved by reducing the material thickness of the shell on either side of the tip at the junction between the tip and each of the two side sections, thereby improving the flexibility of the support last for different shoe widths.

[0021] The support last can be used for a variety of shoe sizes, as the dimensions of the support last only need to be adjusted to accommodate different shoe sizes.

[0022] The mechanical weakness allows the arch and lateral sections to flex inward toward each other, allowing the arch strike pad and secondary strike pad to move closer together. Additionally, the mechanical weakness allows the support last to adapt to the shape of the shoe. Therefore, when the support last is inserted into the shoe, the arch strike pad and secondary strike pad automatically slide together, adapting to the width and height of the shoe.

[0023] The advantage of this is that the support last is highly flexible and can adapt well to the original, or natural, shape of the shoe. This provides natural support to the shoe and prevents deformation of the shoe, or at least reduces deformation compared to conventional technology. Conventional support lasts cannot adapt to the original shape of the shoe, and unnatural pressure is applied, causing the shoe to deform over time. Furthermore, deformation of the shoe over time is minimized.

[0024] In some embodiments, the mechanical weakness on each side may extend longitudinally along the entire shell, however these embodiments are less preferred as this reduces the biasing force of the support last and increases the risk of the hollow body collapsing.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mechanically weakened portion may extend longitudinally along a portion of the clasp from the wing edge to the waist, thereby improving the stability of the support last and preventing the support last from collapsing under pressure, while still allowing the support last to have the necessary flexibility.

[0026] The flexible structure of the support last allows it to accommodate various types of shoes and shoe sizes within a certain range. As a shoe is worn, it conforms to the shape of the user's foot over time. Therefore, the support last can adapt to the changing shape of the shoe over time and maintain the shape of the user's foot. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, it is not possible to design a support last that accommodates sizes 36 and 47. However, the support last of the present invention can be designed to accommodate at least sizes 35-37, 38-40, 41-43, or 44-46, etc., in one size.

[0027] The support last may be manufactured from a durable, lightweight material and may be of one-piece construction with no hollow sections or delicate parts, making it washable and therefore suitable for long-term use and recycling.

[0028] The benefit of this is that the support last is a more sustainable shoe support and filler, replacing the disposable paper or cardboard fillers used by manufacturers. Because the support last can be easily inserted into a shoe just like paper or cardboard filler, changing to a more sustainable support last does not increase production time. Additionally, a lightweight support last does not increase shipping costs.

[0029] The support last may further be manufactured from recyclable materials.

[0030] The support last may be a forefoot support last, which fills and supports only the toe cap, upper, and tongue of the shoe. Therefore, the support last is not visible inside the shoe when inserted. The support last of the present invention does not use a spring element extending from the forefoot to the rear of the shoe to generate a biasing force to secure the support last to the forefoot. Because wooden lasts have very smooth surfaces, the last would slide without the spring element. Spring elements are often used on wooden lasts. The spring element causes the shoe to deform into an unnatural shape, i.e., a shape that would not occur when the foot is placed inside the shoe.

[0031] An advantage of the support last is that it is not visible when the shoe is displayed, for example, in a retail store, showroom, exhibition, or by a reseller.

[0032] This visibility is also advantageous in commercial shoe photography, as shoe padding is essential to the appearance of the shoe, so having a support last that is not visible from the outside when inserted into the shoe can significantly reduce the need for retouching shoe photos.

[0033] Another benefit of support lasts is that their flexibility and light weight allows the shoes to appear to retain their original shape and weight when displayed in a retail store, showroom, exhibition, or by a reseller.

[0034] In one aspect of the support last, the landing pads extend along a portion of the waist section to the wing edge and may optionally extend along a portion of the front section. The wing edge is the transition between the waist and front sections, and in most embodiments, the front section should be designed to accommodate the front section; therefore, the front section should not provide structural strength to the support last for the waist section. However, the front section may optionally have landing pads extending from the wing edge along at least a portion of the front section. In some embodiments, only the second landing pad extends along a portion of the front section, thereby creating an asymmetry between the two landing pads.

[0035] The landing pads extend from, or substantially from, the wing edges to the rear sides of the hollow body (the rear sides being more distal than the front sides). The length the landing pads extend depends on the size of the support last and the desired firmness of the support last, which can be determined by a skilled technician through trial and error.

[0036] This provides support to the upper part of the shoe along the sides.

[0037] In one aspect of the support last, the landing pad may have a curved outer surface that curves inward toward the cavity, thereby allowing the landing pad, side arch, and lateral side to automatically deform inward toward the shell cavity.

[0038] The benefit of this is that when the support last is inserted into the shoe, the landing pads automatically squish together and adapt to the volume and fit of the shoe thanks to their flexible structure and inward curvature, thus adapting and mimicking the shape of the shoe.

[0039] In some embodiments, the landing pads may be curved upwardly so that they can slide together when the support last is inserted into the shoe, thereby adjusting the support last to fit the width and height of the shoe.

[0040] The upward curvature allows the support last to be smoothly inserted into the shoe and prevents the support last from scratching or catching on the shoe insole. The upward curvature therefore reduces the risk of the landing pad catching on the insole or other parts of the shoe.

[0041] The advantage of the landing pads being curved upward is that the curvature prevents the two landing pads from hitting each other when compressed into the shoe.

[0042] Here, upward refers to the state in which the shoe insole stands on the ground when the support last is used as intended.

[0043] In one embodiment of the support last, the outer surface of the second landing pad may have a greater curvature than the outer surface of the arch landing pad, allowing the arch landing pad to conform to the shape of the shoe before the second landing pad, resulting in a more natural fit and preventing the shoe from deforming when the foot is inserted.

[0044] In one aspect of the support last, the clasp may further comprise a rear section at the waist distal to the front section and extending downward from the tip and interconnecting the lateral arch section and the lateral section, thereby increasing the stiffness of the clasp, improving stability and preventing collapse of the support last under pressure.

[0045] The rear portion may also be constructed without any mechanical weaknesses, which further increases the stiffness of the shell, thus further increasing the stability of the support last and preventing it from collapsing under pressure.

[0046] An advantage of the rear side is that the support last can support the shoe when it is packed in, for example, a bag or suitcase, and can withstand pressure from other contents in the bag or suitcase.

[0047] The rear side may also be constructed to provide a gap between the rear side of the shoe and the insole, allowing the rear side to act as a handle that can be grasped with two fingers to easily remove the support last from the shoe.

[0048] In some embodiments, the tip of the rear section may be constructed with a point that forms an apex at a point lower than the highest point of the tip. This point may not be configured to interact with the shoe and therefore does not serve a support purpose within the shoe. Instead, this point may be grasped with the fingers, facilitating removal of the support last from the shoe. This provides an easy grip when pulling the support last out of the shoe.

[0049] In one embodiment of the support last, the mechanical weakness is formed by a reduced material thickness on the sides relative to the average and / or by micro- or macro-perforations along the sides.

[0050] The dimensions of the macroperforations may be 2x3 cm, 1.5x2.5 cm, or 1x2 cm, etc.

[0051] The diameter of the microperforations may be 2-7 mm, 3-5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm.

[0052] By reducing the material thickness of the sides and / or perforating along the sides to create mechanical weaknesses, the bending flexibility of the two sides is increased and less material is required to manufacture the support last, which increases the flexibility and reduces the cost of the support last.

[0053] The weight of the support last is further reduced by reducing the material thickness to create the mechanical weaknesses and / or perforations, thereby minimizing the weight added to the shoe by the support last, which is beneficial to both manufacturers and consumers, for example, in retail stores where shoes must appear true to their actual weight when displayed, and during shoe transportation where minimizing the weight contribution of the support last is important.

[0054] The advantage of micro- or macro-perforations is that they can increase air diffusion from and into the shoe, which increases the breathability of the shoe, improves shoe durability and prevents bad odors.

[0055] Another advantage of micro- or macro-perforations is that they provide a textured surface to the support last, increasing friction and securing the support last firmly within the shoe. This holds the support last in place within the shoe. Friction from micro-perforations is greater than that from macro-perforations. This allows the support last to be secured without the need for additional springs.

[0056] In one aspect of the support last, the support last may comprise a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane, recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyethylene.

[0057] Thermoplastic polyurethane, recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, or plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane may be used to manufacture the support last because they are very flexible materials and can be manufactured in different hardnesses, thus allowing for the thickness of the shells to be varied, thereby increasing the flexibility of the support last without creating mechanical weaknesses and risking breakage.

[0058] The advantages of thermoplastic polyurethanes, recycled thermoplastic polyurethanes or plant-based thermoplastic polyurethanes are that they are washable, lightweight and durable.

[0059] The advantage of polyethylene is that it is an inexpensive material, which keeps the manufacturing costs of the support last low while still providing sufficient strength and flexibility.

[0060] In some embodiments, the support last may be constructed from a single material and cast in a single mold.

[0061] The support last has a textured matte surface that provides a light grip on the support last, thereby securing the support last within the shoe, thereby holding the support last in place within the shoe.

[0062] In some embodiments, the support last may comprise two materials and be cast in a double mold.

[0063] In some embodiments, the conical portion of the clam has a surface roughness that is greater than at least the rest of the waist portion, and optionally greater than the remainder of the clam, thereby securing the support last within the shoe.

[0064] The cone may be made of a softer thermoplastic polyurethane, while the remainder of the shell may be made of a harder, yet flexible, thermoplastic polyurethane. The softer thermoplastic polyurethane may have a higher surface roughness than the harder thermoplastic polyurethane. This allows the cone to create friction between the support last and the shoe liner, thereby holding the support last in place within the shoe.

[0065] The advantage of this is that the support last does not require a rear portion that presses against the heel grip of the shoe, as is the case with conventional support lasts, which prevents unnatural pressure from being placed on the shoe and causing it to deform.

[0066] The harder thermoplastic polyurethane may have a smooth surface that slides smoothly along the shoe lining, making it easier to put on and take off the support last.

[0067] The cone portion may be connected to the rear portion, and in some embodiments, the rear portion may comprise the same material as the cone portion, which provides an easier grip for pulling the support last out of the shoe.

[0068] In one aspect of the support last, the front section may include a toe spring, which allows the front section to rise upward relative to the bottom surface of the wing, and the waist reduces the toe spring material and allows the support last to flex the front section, thereby supporting a variety of shoe shapes.

[0069] In one aspect of the support last, the front portion may include a split toe formed by a slit, the sides of which curve downward.

[0070] This allows each side of the split to automatically move downwards and together adapt to the shape of the toe of the shoe.

[0071] When the support last is inserted into the shoe, the sides of the slit automatically compress thanks to their flexible structure and downward curvature, adapting to the volume and fit of the shoe. This allows it to adapt and mimic the shape of the shoe.

[0072] An advantage of having the sides of the slit curved downward is that it makes it easier to insert the support last into the shoe, as the curved sides slide smoothly along the inside of the shoe.

[0073] Another advantage of the downward curved sides of the slit is that the curve prevents the two sides from hitting each other when the shoe is pushed into place.

[0074] The split toe allows for greater flexibility in the support last, which allows for a narrower front portion of the support last.

[0075] The advantage of this is that the support last will fit a variety of shoe types and sizes, including shoes with wide and narrow toe caps.

[0076] As used herein, downward refers to the position of the shoe insole resting on a surface when the support last is used as intended.

[0077] In one aspect of the support last, the shell may further comprise a fragrance holder configured to hold a fragrance insert that reduces malodor in the shoe. The fragrance insert may be replaceable so that the fragrance can be changed for a different scent and replaced when the scent is depleted.

[0078] The advantage of this is that it prevents bad odors from spreading from, for example, shoes packed in a suitcase or bag to other contents.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fragrance holder may be a tube with a cap for holding a fragrance insert, which may reduce malodor in shoes.

[0080] In some embodiments, the support last has a built-in clip within the cavity behind the toe to hold a fragrance insert, thereby reducing shoe odor.

[0081] In one aspect, the fragrance retainer may be located in the rear side and, optionally, the fragrance retainer may include a perforated tube extending through the rear side, allowing the fragrance retainer to be accessible even when the support last is supporting the shoe.

[0082] In some embodiments, the fragrance holder may comprise a tube configured to hold the fragrance insert, the opening of which may be located in the rear side, which in some embodiments may be molded into the support last shell.

[0083] The tube may include a cap for closing the opening of the tube and securing the scent insert within the tube.

[0084] The tube may further comprise tube perforations that allow scent to diffuse from a fragrance insert within the tube into the shoe.

[0085] The support last may include tube openings in the rear side for receiving and holding the perforated tubes so that they can be changed or replaced.

[0086] In one aspect, the fragrance reservoir may extend through an opening in the clam, preferably an opening in the rear side.

[0087] The primary purpose of the fragrance retainer is to be used in conjunction with a support last, although the fragrance retainer may be separate from the support last.

[0088] In one aspect, the fragrance retention unit is - a tube with tube perforations, and - a cap having a cap cylinder extending from the cap flange; wherein the cap flange has a width greater than that of the cap cylinder; The cap cylinder includes a groove adapted to removably hold a fragrance stick, the cap cylinder being configured to frictionally engage said tube.

[0089] The groove allows only the fragrance stick to be replaced when its scent evaporates, thereby reducing waste. The groove also allows the fragrance stick to be replaced. The cap acts as a handle for the fragrance stick, allowing it to be handled without touching it.

[0090] In one aspect, the cap and / or tube includes a stop to create a distance between the cap flange and the tube when the cap is partially inserted into the tube. The purpose of this stop is to prevent the cap or cap cylinder from being fully inserted into the tube. This creates a distance between the tube and the cap flange, making it easier to remove the cap from the tube using fingers or an object sandwiched between the cap and the tube.

[0091] In one aspect, the tube has a tube flange for engaging the clasp so that the tube is not forced through the clasp, and similar effects can be achieved by engaging other holes.

[0092] In one embodiment, the tube includes one or more external friction features for frictionally engaging the opening of the clam, which may be one or more protrusions and / or a material with a higher coefficient of friction.

[0093] In one embodiment, the tube comprises two ring-shaped protrusions spaced a predetermined distance apart.

[0094] In one aspect, the fragrance holder may include a cord connection portion having a first connection opening adapted to frictionally engage a tube and a second connection opening adapted to engage a cord, such that the fragrance holder can be used not only in combination with a support last, but also in a sports bag or connected to a fabric cord.

[0095] In one embodiment, the tube comprises two ring projections spaced at a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the cord connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0096] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings.

[0097] FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of a support last. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the support last and cross-sectional views at five different positions. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a support last where a landing pad engages the insole of a shoe. FIG. 4 shows two side views of the support last: A) lateral and B) lateral arch views. FIG. 5 shows A) top, B) bottom, C) front, and D) back views of the support last. FIG. 6 shows a side view of a support last with a fragrance holder configured to hold a fragrance insert. FIG. 7 shows two different views of a tube for holding a fragrance insert, where A is a perspective view showing the interior of the tube and B shows the outer surface of the tube. FIG. 8 shows the fragrance retention section. Figure 9 shows the fragrance retainer and the cord connection.

[0098] JPEG2025540403000002.jpg236153JPEG2025540403000003.jpg83147

[0099] FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of a support last (100) having a clasp (10) defining a front portion (12), a waist portion (14) with a cone portion (36), and a wing edge (16) between the front portion (12) and the waist portion (14).

[0100] The shells (10) may be constructed to mimic the forefoot model structure, allowing the support last (100) to support the shoe while simultaneously being deformed by the shoe, thereby preventing the support last (100) from unnaturally deforming the shoe.

[0101] The clasp further includes a tip portion 18 that extends from the waist portion 14 to the front portion 12 of the clasp 10. The side arch portions 20 and lateral portion 22 extend downward from the tip portion 18, thereby defining a cavity 24 in the clasp 10. Thus, the side arch portions 20 and lateral portion 22 extend downward from the tip portion 18 toward the insole 200 of the shoe. This allows the clasp 10 of the support last 100 to accommodate the curvature of the upper forefoot of the shoe.

[0102] The cavity 24 of the shell 10 formed by the arch side portion 20 and the lateral portion 22 is hollow, which allows the shell 10 to adapt to the shape of the shoe, i.e., the shell 10 allows the support last to be flexible and therefore adapt to the natural shape of the shoe.

[0103] The arch landing pad 26 extends from the arch side 20 toward the lateral side 22 along a portion of the lower portion 14 of the shell 10, and the second landing pad 28 extends from the lateral side 22 toward the arch side 20 along a portion of the lower portion 14 of the shell 10. The arch landing pad 26 and the second landing pad 28 are both located in substantially the same horizontal plane, and both landing pads 26, 28 have sides that face and contact the shoe insole 200 (see Figures 3 and 5).

[0104] The arch landing pad 26 and the secondary landing pad 28 may be asymmetric in shape and length, allowing the support shoe last 100 to mimic the asymmetrical foot model shape, and thus the shape of the shoe that mimics the foot shape, i.e., the asymmetrical and model shape.

[0105] The landing pads (26, 28) extend along a portion of the lower back portion (14) to the wing edge (16) and, if desired, may extend along a portion of the front portion (12). The wing edge (16) is the transition between the lower back portion (14) and the front portion (12). In some embodiments, only the second landing pad (28) extends along a portion of the front portion (12), thereby creating an asymmetry between the two landing pads (26, 28).

[0106] The front portion (12) may include a non-slip toe (38) formed with a slit (40), where each side of the slit (40) curves downward so that each side of the slit (40) automatically moves downward to adjust to the shape of the toe of the shoe.

[0107] In some embodiments, the front portion (12) may include a toe spring.

[0108] The side arch portions 20 and lateral portions 22 include mechanically weakened portions 30 extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the shell 10, which may be achieved by reducing the material thickness of the shell 10 on each side of the tip portion 18 at the juncture between the tip portion 18 and either of the two side portions 20, 22. This allows the arch portions 20 and lateral portions 22 to curve and adjust to the shape of the shoe, thus improving the flexibility of the support last 100 for different shoe widths (see FIG. 3).

[0109] The mechanically weakened portions (30) may be formed by reducing the material thickness below the average material thickness of the sides (20, 22) and / or by forming micro- or macro-perforations (34) along the sides (20, 22).

[0110] By reducing the material thickness of the sides (20, 22) and / or forming perforations (34) along the sides (20, 22) to form mechanically weakened portions (30), the bending flexibility of the two sides (20, 22) is improved and less material is required to manufacture the support last (100).

[0111] The clasp (10) may further comprise a rear section (32) at the waist region (14) and distal to the front section (12) that extends downwardly from the tip section (18) and interconnects the lateral arch section (20) and the lateral section (22) (see FIG. 5D), thereby providing rigidity to the clasp (10), improving stability and preventing the support last (100) from collapsing under pressure.

[0112] The support last (100) may be a one-piece construction with no hollow sections or delicate parts, and may further comprise a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane, recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyethylene.

[0113] Thermoplastic polyurethane, recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, or plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane are very flexible materials that can be manufactured in a variety of hardnesses and may be used to manufacture the support last 100. Thus, the thickness of the shell 10 can be varied, thereby creating mechanical weaknesses 30 and increasing the flexibility of the support last 100 without the risk of breakage.

[0114] In some embodiments, the conical portion (36) of the clam (10) may have a higher surface roughness than the rest of the clam (10) to secure the support last (100) within the shoe.

[0115] The cone portion 36 may be made of a softer thermoplastic polyurethane, while the rest of the shell 10 may be made of a harder, yet flexible, thermoplastic polyurethane. The softer thermoplastic polyurethane may have a higher surface roughness than the harder thermoplastic polyurethane. The cone portion 36 may therefore provide friction between the support last 100 and the shoe lining, thereby holding the support last 100 in place within the shoe.

[0116] The hard thermoplastic polyurethane may have a smooth surface that slides smoothly along the shoe lining, making it easier to put on and take off the support last (100).

[0117] The support last (100) can be used for a variety of shoe sizes by simply adjusting its dimensions to fit the various shoe sizes.

[0118] Figure 2 shows a top view and cross-sectional views at five different positions of the support last (100). Figure 2A shows a top view of the support last (100) that corresponds to the support last (100) shown in Figure 1.

[0119] 2B shows cross section AA at a location over the waist region 14 of the support last 100. The lateral arch portion 20 and the lateral portion 22 extend downward from the distal end 18, thereby defining the cavity 24 of the shell 10. Thus, the lateral arch portion 20 and the lateral portion 22 extend downward from the distal end 18 toward the shoe insole 200. The arch strike pad 26 connected to the lateral arch portion 20 may have a smaller radius of curvature toward the second strike pad 28 than the lateral portion 22 and the second strike pad 28.

[0120] The lateral portion (22) may be deflected substantially linearly at an outward angle from the side arch portion (20) and may curve inward toward the arch landing pad (26) at its connection with the second landing pad (28). The side arch portion (20) may be substantially curved from its connection with the tip portion (18) to the arch landing pad (26).

[0121] Additionally, the material of the support last (100) may be thinner at the perforations (34), thereby providing mechanical weaknesses (30) in the support last (100).

[0122] Figure 2C shows cross section BB at a location in the waist region 14 of the support last 100 closer to the front region 12 than cross section AA. The curvature of the tip 18 may be smaller than that of the tip 18 in Figure 2B, and therefore the cavity 24 may be wider.

[0123] The material thickness of the support last (100) may be increased at the arch strike pad (26). Additionally, large perforations (34) may further increase the mechanical weakness (30).

[0124] Figure 2D shows cross section CC at wing edge 16 of support last 100. The curvature of tip 18 is further reduced compared to tip 18 in Figures 2A and 2B. Support last 100 may be widest at wing edge 16.

[0125] The curvature of the lateral portion 22 may be greater than the curvature of the lateral portion 22 in Figures 2B and 2C, but the curvature of the lateral arch portion 20 may still be greater than the curvature of the lateral portion 22.

[0126] Additionally, the material thickness of the support last (100) may be increased in the second landing pad (28), and the perforations (34) may provide a mechanical weakness (30) in the support last (100).

[0127] Figure 2E shows cross section DD at a location on the front portion 12 of the support last 100. The curvature of the lateral portion 22 is increased compared to the curvature of the lateral portion 22 in Figure 2D.

[0128] The curvature of the arch landing pad (26) may be smaller depending on the material thickness of the arch landing pad (26), while the curvature and material thickness of the second landing pad (28) may be substantially the same compared to Figure 2D. Thus, the second landing pad (28) may be longer than the arch landing pad (26) and extend further along the anterior portion (12).

[0129] The slits (40) may form the anti-slip toe (38) of the support last (100), which allows the sides of the slits (40) to automatically move together and adjust to the shape of the toe of the shoe.

[0130] Figure 2F shows cross section EE at the tip of the support last (100) relative to cross section DD on the front (12) of the support last (100). The curvature of the two sides (20, 22) may be less, and the two landing pads (26, 28) are no longer present.

[0131] The slit (40) may form the non-slip toe (38) of the support last (100).

[0132] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the support last (100) with the landing pads (26, 28) engaging the insole (200) of the shoe.

[0133] The sides (20, 22) may extend downward from the toe (18) of the shoe toward the insole (200), thereby allowing the clasp (10) of the support last (100) to follow the curve of the upper forefoot of the shoe.

[0134] The cavity (24) of the shell (10) formed by the arch side (20) and the lateral side (22) is hollow, which allows the shell (10) to adapt to the shape of the shoe, i.e., the shell (10) allows the support last (100) to be flexible and therefore adapt to the natural shape of the shoe.

[0135] The arch strike pad (26) and the second strike pad (28) extend from the side arch portion (20) and the second side arch portion (22), respectively, toward the insole (200) of the shoe, where they engage with the insole (200).

[0136] The landing pads (26, 28) may have curved outer surfaces that curve inward toward the cavity (24), which allows the landing pads (26, 28), lateral arch (20), and lateral (22) to automatically deform inward toward the cavity (24) of the shell (10). Thus, when the support last (100) is inserted into a shoe, the landing pads (26, 28) automatically squeeze together due to their inward curvature, adapting to the volume and fit of the shoe.

[0137] In some embodiments, the landing pads (26, 28) may be curved upward. The curved landing pads (26, 28) may slide against each other when the support last (100) is inserted into the shoe, thereby allowing the support last (100) to accommodate the width and height of the shoe. The upward curvature prevents the two landing pads (26, 28) from colliding with each other when pushed into the shoe.

[0138] In another embodiment, the landing pads (26, 28) may have a rounded shape to slide against each other when the support last (100) is inserted into the shoe, thereby adapting the support last (100) to the width and height of the shoe. Additionally, the rounded landing pads (26, 28) allow the support last (100) to be inserted smoothly into the shoe and prevent the shoe insole (200) from being scratched or caught.

[0139] The two side portions (20, 22) have mechanically weakened portions (30) extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the clam (10), which may be achieved by reducing the material thickness of the clam (10) on either side of the tip portion (18) at the junction between the tip portion (18) of the clam (10) and each of the two side portions (20, 22). The mechanically weakened portions (30) may also be formed by micro- or macro-perforations (34) distributed along the side portions (20, 22). The mechanically weakened portions may improve the flexibility of the support last (100).

[0140] The mechanical weakened portion 30 allows the side arch portions 20 and lateral portions 22 to flex inward toward one another, thereby moving the arch strike pad 26 and secondary strike pad 28 toward one another. This is indicated by the shaded area in the figure. As the side portions 20, 22 flex, the curvature of the tip portion 18 may increase or decrease. As a result, the tip portion 18 moves away from or toward the shoe insole 200, respectively. Thus, as the side portions 20, 22 flex inward toward one another, the curvature of the tip portion 18 increases, and the tip portion 18 moves away from the shoe insole 200. As the side portions 20, 22 move away from one another, the curvature of the tip portion 18 decreases, and the tip portion 18 moves toward the shoe insole 200.

[0141] The mechanical weaknesses 30 further allow the support last 100 to adapt to the shape of the shoe. Thus, when the support last 100 is inserted into the shoe, the arch strike pad 26 and secondary strike pad 28 automatically slide together and adjust to the width, height, volume, and fit of the shoe, thereby adapting and mimicking the shape of the shoe.

[0142] In some embodiments, the mechanically weakened portions (30) on each side (20, 22) may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the shell (10). However, this reduces the biasing force of the support last (100) and increases the risk of collapse of the hollow shell (10). For this reason, these embodiments are less preferred.

[0143] In some embodiments, the mechanically weakened portion (30) may extend longitudinally along a portion of the clasp (10) from the wing edge (16) to the waist portion (14), thereby improving the stability of the support last (100) and preventing the support last (100) from collapsing under pressure, while also providing the necessary flexibility for the support last (100).

[0144] Figure 4 shows two side views of the support last (100), where Figure 4A is a side view of the lateral section (22) and Figure 4B is a side view of the lateral arch section (20). The support last (100) shown in Figure 4 corresponds to the support last (100) shown in Figure 1.

[0145] FIG. 5 shows four different views of the support last (100).

[0146] FIG. 5A is a top view of a support last (100) corresponding to the support last (100) shown in FIG.

[0147] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of a support last (100) corresponding to the support last (100) shown in FIG.

[0148] Figure 5C is a front view of a support last (100) corresponding to the support last (100) shown in Figure 1. Figure 5C further shows the landing pads (26, 28), which may have curved outer surfaces that curve inward toward the cavity (24). This allows the landing pads (26, 28), side arches (20), and lateral sides (22) to automatically deform inward toward the cavity (24) of the shell (10) (see also Figure 5D).

[0149] Figure 5D is a rear view of a support last (100) corresponding to the support last (100) shown in Figure 1. Figure 5D also shows the rear side (32), which may be constructed to provide a gap between the rear side (32) and the shoe insole (200), allowing the rear side (32) to function as a handle that can be grasped with two fingers to easily remove the support last (100) from the shoe.

[0150] In some embodiments, the tip of the rear section (32) may be provided with a point (not shown) that culminates at a point lower than the highest point of the tip (18). This point may not be configured to contact the shoe and therefore does not serve the purpose of support within the shoe. Instead, the point may be graspable by the fingers, facilitating removal of the support last (100) from the shoe, thereby providing an easier grip when pulling the support last (100) out of the shoe.

[0151] Figure 6 shows a side view of a support last (100) with a tube (42) configured to hold a fragrance insert (50). This support last (100) corresponds to the support last (100) shown in Figures 1-5.

[0152] The clasp (10) may further comprise a fragrance holder configured to hold a fragrance insert (50).

[0153] The fragrance retainer may be located in the rear side portion (32) and may optionally include a tube (42) extending through the rear side portion (32), allowing the fragrance retainer to be accessible even when the support last (100) is supporting the shoe.

[0154] The tube (42) may be configured to hold a scented insert (50), and the opening of the tube (42) may be located on the rear side (32).

[0155] The tube 42 may include a cap 44 for closing the opening of the tube 42 and securing the fragrance insert 50 within the tube. The tube 42 may further include tube perforations 46 that allow the scent to diffuse from the fragrance insert 50 within the tube 42 to the shoe.

[0156] In some embodiments, the tube (42) may be molded into the shell (10).

[0157] Figure 7 shows two different views of the tube (42) for holding the fragrance insert (50). Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the interior of the tube (42). In the illustrated embodiment, the tube (42) is recessed into the shell (10) of the support last (100) with the tube opening open to the surface of the shell (10). The tube (42) may also be positioned within the shell (10) such that the tube opening is at the rear side (32).

[0158] The tube (42) may include a cap (44) for closing the tube (42) and securing the scented insert (50) within the tube (42).

[0159] In some embodiments, cap (44) may be permanently connected to tube (42) via a strip to prevent loss of cap (44), while in other embodiments, cap (44) may be a loose cap (44).

[0160] Figure 7B shows the exterior surface of the tube (42) described above with respect to Figure 7A. The tube (42) may further include tube perforations (46) that allow scent to diffuse from the fragrance insert (50) within the tube (42) into the shoe.

[0161] Figure 8 shows the fragrance holder: Figure 8A shows the cap (44) and the fragrance stick is shown as a dashed cylinder, and Figure 8B shows the tube (42) and cap (44).

[0162] The fragrance holder has a tube (42) with tube perforations (46) and a cap (44) with a cap cylinder (51) extending from a cap flange (49), the width of the cap flange (49) being wider than the width of the cap cylinder (51).

[0163] The cap cylinder (51) has a groove adapted to removably hold the fragrance stick, and is configured to frictionally engage the tube (42) as shown in Figure 8B.

[0164] The cap (44) is provided with a stop (45) to ensure a distance between the cap flange (49) and the tube (42) when the cap (44) is partially inserted into the tube (42) as shown in Figure 8B.

[0165] The tube is provided with a tube flange (48) for engaging with a clasp (10) or cord connection (60) as shown in FIG.

[0166] The tube has two external friction portions (43) for frictionally engaging the opening of the clasp (10) or the cord connection (60). In the illustrated embodiment, the two external friction portions (43) are ring-shaped protrusions positioned at a mutual distance substantially equal to the thickness of the cord connection, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0167] 9 shows the fragrance carrier and the cord connection 60. The fragrance carrier shown in FIG. 9B is the same as the fragrance carrier shown in FIG.

[0168] The cord connection (60) has a first connection opening (62) adapted to frictionally engage the tube (42) and a second connection opening (64) adapted to engage the cord.

Claims

1. A support shoe last (100) for supporting a shoe during display or transport, comprising: The support shoe last (100) a clam (10) defining a front portion (12), a waist portion (14) with a conical portion (36), and a wing edge (16) between said front portion (12) and said waist portion (14); Equipped with The shell-shaped body (10) a tip portion (18) extending from the waist portion (14) to the front portion (12); - arch side (20) and lateral side (22) extending downwardly from the distal end (18) and defining a cavity (24) of the clam (10); - an arch landing pad (26) extending from a portion of the lateral arch portion (20) and flaring toward the insole (200) of the shoe, the arch landing pad being configured to engage the insole (200); and - a second landing pad (28) extending from a portion of said lateral portion (22) and flaring toward the insole (200) of the shoe, said second landing pad (28) being configured to engage said insole (200); Equipped with The support shoe last (100) includes a mechanically weakened portion of the shank (20) and / or the lateral portion (22) extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the shell (10), thereby allowing the shank (20) and / or the lateral portion (22) to flex and adapt to the shape of the shoe.

2. 2. The support shoe last (100) of claim 1, wherein the landing pads (26, 28) extend along a portion of the waist section (14) to the wing edges (16), and optionally along a portion of the front section (12).

3. 3. The support last (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the landing pads (26, 28) have curved outer surfaces that curve inwardly toward the cavity (24).

4. 3. The support shoe last (100) of claim 2, wherein the curvature of the outer surface of the second landing pad (28) is greater than the curvature of the outer surface of the arch landing pad (26).

5. 5. The support shoe last (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clam (10) further comprises a rear portion (32) extending downwardly from the tip portion (18) at the waist region (14) distal to the front portion (12) and interconnecting the lateral arch portion (20) and the lateral portion (22).

6. 6. A support last (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mechanically weakened areas (30) are formed by having a material thickness that is small compared to the average material thickness of the side areas (20, 22) and / or by micro- or macro-perforations (34) along the side areas (20, 22).

7. 7. The support last (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support last (100) comprises a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane, recycled thermoplastic polyurethane, plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyethylene.

8. A support last (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the front portion (12) comprises a toe spring.

9. 9. The support shoe last (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the front portion (12) comprises a non-slip toe (38) formed by a slit (40), the sides of the slit (40) curving downward.

10. The support last (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the clasp (10) further comprises a fragrance holder configured to hold a fragrance insert (50).

11. 11. The support last (100) of claim 10, wherein the fragrance retaining portion is located on the rear side (32), and optionally the fragrance retaining portion comprises a perforated tube (42) extending through the rear side (32), thereby making the fragrance retaining portion accessible even when the support last (100) is supporting a shoe.

12. 11. The support last (100) of claim 10, wherein the fragrance reservoir extends through an opening in the shell (10), preferably an opening in the rear portion (32).

13. The fragrance retention unit is - a tube (42) having tube perforations (46), and - a cap (44) having a cap cylinder (51) extending from a cap flange (49); Equipped with The cap flange (49) is wider than the cap cylinder (51), the cap cylinder (51) is provided with a groove adapted to removably hold a fragrance stick, the cap cylinder (51) is configured to frictionally engage the tube (42); 14. The support last (100) of claim 13.

14. 14. The support last (100) of claim 13, wherein the cap (44) and / or the tube (42) comprises a stop (45) so that a distance is provided between the cap flange and the tube when the cap is partially inserted into the tube.

15. 15. A support last (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said tube (42) comprises a tube flange (48) for engaging said clam (10).

16. 16. A support last (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the tube comprises one or more external friction portions (43) for frictionally engaging openings in the clams (10).

17. A fragrance holder for removably holding a fragrance stick, The fragrance retention unit is - a tube (42) having tube perforations (46), and - a cap (44) having a cap cylinder (51) extending from a cap flange (49); Equipped with The cap flange (49) is wider than the cap cylinder (51), the cap cylinder (51) is provided with a groove adapted to removably hold a fragrance stick and is configured to frictionally engage the tube (42); Fragrance retention part.

18. 18. The fragrance holder of claim 17, wherein the cap (44) and / or the tube (42) comprises a stop (45) so that a distance is provided between the cap flange and the tube when the cap is partially inserted into the tube.

19. 19. A fragrance holder according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the tube (42) comprises a tube flange (48) for engaging with a clasp (10) or a cord connection.

20. A fragrance holder according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the tube comprises one or more external friction portions (43) for frictionally engaging the opening of the clasp (10).

21. 21. The fragrance holder according to any one of claims 17 to 20, comprising a cord connection portion (60) having a first connection opening (62) adapted to frictionally engage with the tube (42) and a second connection opening (64) adapted to engage with a cord.

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